Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Display" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "display", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
表示
ひょうじ (hyōji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
顕示
けんじ (kenji)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "display" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 表示 and 顕示.
In Japanese, 表示 (ひょうじ (hyōji)) is typically associated with "display, indication, expression" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used to describe the act of showing something visually or making information known. Can be a noun.
On the other hand, 顕示 (けんじ (kenji)) maps to "to display, to manifest, to make obvious" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Means to clearly show or manifest something, often an abstract quality, power, or hidden ability. 「見せる」よりもフォーマルで、表面に現れる、はっきりと示すといった意味合いが強い。. A literal translation of "display" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "表示"
スマートフォンの画面に時間と日付が表示されています。
The time and date are displayed on the smartphone screen.
Bilingual Context for "顕示"
その国の指導者は、自国の軍事力を顕示した。
The leader of that country displayed its military power.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "スマートフォンの画面に時間と日付が ＿＿＿ されています。" (Meaning: "The time and date are displayed on the smartphone screen.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "表示" fits here because it means "display, indication, expression" in the context of: "The time and date are displayed on the smartphone screen.". "顕示" represents "to display, to manifest, to make obvious".